Saturday, January 26, 2008

Irish Drinking Stereotype Denies Being a Cultural Stereotype

Chris Matthews – a liberal political pundit on MSNBC – is a proud Irish American. On the MSNBC morning show, responding to a joke by Mika Brzezinski about his drinking at a prominent Irish social event, Matthews responded: “Despite the ethnic stereotype, I haven’t had a drink since 1994.”

Note to Matthews: this is the Irish cultural stereotype. George Vaillant found that Irish-Americans in Boston were seven times as likely to become alcoholics as Italian, Greek, and Jewish Americans – at the same time as they were more likely to abstain. Vaillant commented: “It is consistent with Irish culture to see the use of alcohol in terms of black or white, good or evil, drunkenness or complete abstinence.”

The same is true of Irish drinking in Ireland itself. According to the Department of Health and Children in Dublin, Ireland is the European country with the lowest daily drinking rate and the highest binge drinking rate. Only two percent of Irish men drink daily, while nearly half binge weekly. This is the virtual reverse of drinking by Italians.

Friday, January 25, 2008

I am beginning to see the similarities between aa meetingsand going to the chiropractor.My experience with the body-twisters was the exact samespinal manipulation for every different ailment.While the bending and cracking did provide temporaryrelief, the only long-term solution offered, was to come backweekly for more.

What i sought were answers and exercises to correct anyimbalances i had. there was no desire or need to becomelong-term dependent on external manipulation.

AA tells me the same thing; come here forever, or bein pain.Sorry, I seek the same knowledge and methods forimproving my mental health as i do my physical wellbeing.

I do not want to rely on group therapy forever.just supply me with the tools and tactics that ican implement into my daily life, to deal with theissues of drugs and alcohol; without the chiro-warningthat i must come back indefinitely, or remain in pain.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The same issues underlie people’s ability to overcome addiction. Americans have always approached addiction spiritually. That is, even as HBO and the National Institute on Drug Abuse trumpet a new age of addiction as brain disease, their narratives are of redemption – of people saved from the brink of hell by God, love, revelation, and personal commitment.

This is why the primary therapy for addiction in the United States is the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, with its submission to a higher power (which courts have ruled represents the Christian divinity) and the need to make amends. If there were some medical cure for addiction, there would be no need for AA, despites its own view of addiction as a disease.

But the 12 steps will always be with us – as will addiction. The paradox of addiction is that it provides people with something they find essential, yet that harms them and that they wish to change. And this is the time of year when we struggle most with this paradox. Christmas and New Year’s are holidays that focus on the need for change, at the same time as they call forth addictions to alcohol, food, and medications for depression.

I wish Mr. Peele would open Rehab facilities throughout the U.S.His comprehensive approach would benefit thousands of addicts andalcoholics who just don't respond to the "tried and failed" 12 step method.

Monday, January 21, 2008

I'm not getting much inspiration from my attendance at meetings.Aside from the few who share from their heart, most of the talk isthe same recycled, slogan clone-speak.

lately, many of the topics have been steps, God, powerlessness and relationships.Very few in the rooms are willing to take ANY credit for their recovery.It's either HP, the group, sponsor, steps, big book or prayer. Never mentionedis the individual's own initiative to get off their ass and do something withoutchecking with the group or a sponsor.

While I am willing to share that all of those things are PART of my plan;none is of ANY use if i dont take some responsibility and credit for myown recovery.

I take what i need and leave the rest; unfortunately for me, there isnt much to take.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

The Stanton Peele Addiction Website, where many of the cookie-cutter standard treatment methods are challenged. I am a regular reader of this informative and revolutionary site.He states the facts the establishment doesn't want to hear.

Why We Can’t Cure Addiction Medically

The decline of the steel industry and the former U.S. industrial heartland -- now known as the Rust Belt -- has left behind poverty, unemployment, hopelessness and drug abuse.

This news is news to no one who is alive and awake. In areas left hopeless, substance abuse and addiction will prevail, as night follows day. To even suggest that addiction medicine specialists could flood these areas (which would never happen – they prefer wealthier locales with better-insured residents) is to make clear how little treatment has to do with the larger addiction equation.

As I wrote a generation ago in the Los Angeles Times, addiction “is no more a treatable medical problem than is unemployment, lack of coping skills, or degraded communities and despairing lives. The only remedy for addiction is for more people to have the resources, values and environments necessary for living productive lives.”

My latest book, Addiction-Proof Your Child, is about the generation of young people being produced in the United States today. If they are susceptible to mind-altering experiences as fundamental involvements and crutches for life, then we are doomed to face increasing numbers of addicts. Better methods of treatment can never solve this crisis.

It's so refreshing and encouraging to read approaches that challenge the tired, ineffectivemodalities that have remained unchanged for decades.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

This is how I view recovery from addiction.There is NO single solution to alcoholism and drug abuse.Sorry loyal AA old-timers, but your long-term successrates of 5 percent don't impress or encourage me.

You cannot treat a physical, mental and emotionalillness with prayer.Belief in a Higher Power can be beneficial and comforting,but it will not keep you away from a drink or drug.

My journey of recovery starts with addressing mentalissues.Whether it's depression, bi-polar,anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD,these are the medical health issues which must be treated first.

Next, I can incorporate 12 step, self-help modalities to dealwith moral issues and share experience, strength and hopewith people who can identify with these, and provide support.

Finally, I must implement Behavior Modification, which allowsme to reflect on self-reliance, group therapy and peer support.The importance of this facet of the triangle is that it providesthe optimum support for a chronic relapser.

Monday, January 14, 2008

A simple. react or not scenario we face everyday.yet the ability to discern between the two, is one of thefundamental factors in rational vs addicted thinking.i use this card playing analogy as a model for how iinteract with family, friends, coworkers and the public.

Back in the day, there was no folding due to pride and ego.since much of my life was a bluff, based on the illusion ofcontrol and success. even when wrong, i never backed downfrom a contest of wills.

today i can hold up on that outburst or comment, just by resisting the oldurge to confront and challenge.taking the time to think before i speak, works wonders.i have the opportunity to assess; does it need to be said now,or even at all?

sometimes i do need to fold, throw in the cardsaccept defeat, and just wait for the next handto be dealt.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Here is an elite female athlete who just happens to be beautiful.It always amazed me how out of shape sportscasters and manytennis fans, would dwell on the fact she was never rated in thetop 10 in the world, in singles.

They NEVER mention the fact that Anna was part of the #1doubles team in the world for 2 YEARS, with Martina Hingis.So much for the "she just looks good" rant.

Even more interesting to me, is that the criticism came fromfolks who never even made All-state in their sport.I have been holding on to this for quite some time and nowI can say it the world; well, to the loyal few who read myblog anyway!

Just another day of country living, enjoying the warm spelluntil it ends.Talk about keep it simple!My life might not be as exciting as it was; but it is gratifying.Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

What I've learned today about life, love and the pursuit of serenity. life goes on; good and bad, happy & sad.My contribution is what I make it; handling things I can & letting go of those I can't.

Love is a many splintered thing, exciting, frustrating, gratifying & disappointing.as I watch the drama unfold among the young folks around me, I am reminded of all those unbridled emotions of youth.While we try to advise the MTV generation about the possible consequences of their actions, they usually have to experience things for themselves.

Serenity is simply that inner peace, accepting the hand I'm dealt, making the most of it, and enjoying the company of family , friends and co-workers. Hopefully that tranquility will be reflected outwardly in all my endeavors.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

My way of looking at the methods of recovery.When I hear talk of AA is the only way, I justhave to shake my head.Sure AA has worked for some for many years,but there are more co-occurring mental disordersand dual addictions today.

The old "take the cotton out of your ears" credojust doesn't cut it anymore. There are a largepercentage of alcoholics who suffer from clinicaldepression and bi-polar disorder.Without first addressing these issues, no amount ofprayer, meetings and steps are going to lead torecovery.

For all you loyal old-timers out there, I say kudoson your continued progress; but please don't discouragenewcomers from getting ALL the help they need.AA and spirituality can be valuable assets, providedunderlying psychological issues are being identifiedand treated.

Addiction is no longer a simple matter; it is a complexarray of genetic, emotional, and behavioral factors.

My belief is a multifaceted approach is absolutelynecessary to combat this baffling illness.